MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) released a resolution denying the motion for reconsideration of Australian nun Patricia Anne Fox seeking to reverse the deportation order against her.

In a 3-page resolution signed last August 23 by the BI Board of Commissioners (BOC) composing of Commissioner Jaime Morente, Deputy Commissioner J. Tobias Javier, and OIC Deputy Commissioner Marc Red Marinas, Fox’s motion was denied for having “no new matters raised that warrant the modification or reversal of the resolution.”

It can be recalled that the BI issued a deportation order against Fox last July for violating the conditions of her stay and for being an undesirable alien.

BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval clarified Fox’s accusations that the BI had prejudged the case based on the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that Fox is an undesirable alien. “A deportation order was issued against Sister Fox for violating the conditions of her visa and for being undesirable,” said Sandoval. “She was authorized to conduct only missionary works, but had attended numerous political activities contrary to the limitations of her visa. She was likewise seen as undesirable for joining protests, which she also admitted in her affidavit,” she added.

Sandoval reiterated that foreign nationals are not allowed to join rallies in the country. “Foreign missionaries in the country must be actually, directly, and exclusively engaged in religious work, and are not allowed to engage in partisan political activities inconsistent with their religious vocation,” she said.

The BI stressed that foreign nationals must follow Philippine laws or face deportation. “We understand that she has a heart for the people, but her actions must remain within the boundaries set by the laws of the land. It is the responsibility of the BI to ensure that foreign nationals, male or female, young or old, follow Philippine laws, in the same manner that our kababayans abroad follow the laws of the country they are in,” she stated.

Sandoval explained that Fox is given 30 days upon receipt of the order “before it can be considered final and executory.” # Photo: RCAM